HOLIDAYS IN KUWAIT

Fly to Kuwait with British Airways and soon you'll be sipping a strong Turkish coffee in one of Kuwait City's coffee houses.

Kuwait

Overlooking its own bay, tucked into the head of the Gulf between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, Kuwait City bristles with skyscrapers but has a history extending back more than 300 years. Its port once traded incense, spices and pearls; now, following the discovery of oil, Kuwait has found new prosperity.

Explore the old houses along the seafront Arabian Gulf Street (notably the 19th-century Dickson House, once the residence of Britain’s political representative), roam the traditional Mubarakiya souk and detour to the city’s best photo-op – the soaring Kuwait Towers – but don’t miss Kuwait’s splendid array of urban museums, showcasing traditional crafts and cultures and the edgiest of contemporary art. Alcohol is illegal: any amount brought into the country will be confiscated on arrival, and penalties may be imposed.